Before you go jumping up and down in joy or disdain, or start cursing at your computer screen read this disclaimer:This has not happened and is not likely to happen any time soon.
For those of you unfamiliar with Ramirez, he may be the most physically gifted player to every play in south Florida. He has been the Marlins shortstop since 2006 and is a three time all-star and former Rookie of the Year. He hits for power, average, and can steal bases(.306/.380/.506 career line with 216 stolen bases). His main problem is, he's a little below average defensively for a shortstop, and when the newly dubbed Miami Marlins signed his World Baseball Classic teammate Jose Reyes to a six year 106 million dollar deal he was no longer the best shortstop on his own team. This was until this past season his team, until his lackluster and off-injured 2011 campaign he had led the Fish in every major offensive category(including attitude) for the past four years.
This didn't sit well with Hanley, though he professed to be okay with a Reyes signing he wasn't okay with moving off of shortstop. Maybe he thought that new manager Ozzie Guillen would put Reyes at second base if they signed him, though that would be a terrible idea for all involved for several reasons. Maybe Guillen and GM Jeffery Loria expected their star player to be mature and move over to third or even center field to make room for his countryman. If they did it's hard to see why, he has a history of attitude problems and when he was benched in the 2009 baseball classic so that Reyes could start it didn't sit well at all with him. It was even more raw for Hanley as he played poorly when he did get an opportunity(although Reyes played at least as badly) and the Dominicans were beaten twice by a vastly inferior Netherlands team.
He also has problems with coaches and teammates most notably current Braves skipper Freddi Gonzalez and second baseman Dan Uggla. Gonzalez was shown the door shortly after benching the Marlins star for lackadaisical play, and he clashed with Uggla constantly when they were teammates. It is widely speculated that the Marlins failed to extend Uggla because he refused to have a contract of lesser value to Ramirez's.
After reading all this you may be thinking,"okay, I understand why he might be available, but why would you think he would ever be a Brave?"
This is why; he has been starting shortstop for the Marlins. Therefore he is fated to play for the Braves at some point in his career.
I won't deny it, this is a ridiculous statement and I should be laughed off the web for suggesting it. Until you see the facts.
The Florida Marlins played their first season in 1993 as an expansion team along with the Colorado Rockies, in that time they have had five primary starting shortstops.
In their introductory season it was premier glove man Walt Weiss, a product of the Oakland A's system and 1988 Rookie of the Year. Walt came to the Fish in a trade for a couple of players you've never heard of and had a fairly good season by his standards(.266/.367/.308) and was let walk as a free agent at the end of the season.
Walt would sign with the Braves to take over at short for the newly departed Jeff Blauser before the 1998 season, and had three quite good yet injury plagued season with the Bravos. Included in his time was his lone all-star appearance in 1998. He finished his career in Atlanta and is generally fondly remembered here, mostly as the guy who played short before Raphael Furcal.
Next on the list is Kurt Abbot, the primary shortstop for the Marlins between 1994 and 1996 and a few games there in 1997. He had his moments, but was largely unspectacular and was traded to the A's as soon as the Fish had another warm body to throw into the middle of their infield.
Braves fans everywhere are scratching their head right now,"Kurt Abbot? We never had him did we?"
Yeah we did, but if you blinked at all in the summer of 2001 you probably missed his entire Braves career. He played six games, staring one and at second base and would never play in the big leagues again.
The aforementioned warm body was non other than the talented Edgar Renteria, he hit his was into the lineup in late 1996 and kept a hold on the starting spot until he was traded to the Cardinals for Alfredo Amanza, Braden Looper, and Pablo Ozuna in the great fire sale 1998 of . None of whom worked out very well for the Marlins.
He came to Atlanta in in 2005 for minor league journeyman in training Andy Marte and had two very good seasons in Atlanta including what is in all likelihood his final all-star appearance in 2006. Unlike the two previous players mentioned he didn't finish his career with the Braves, but he might as well have as he has been largely unproductive since.
His successor for the fish was none other than the illustrious Alex Gonzalez, one of the finest defensive shortstops in the past decade. Unfortunately he doesn't know that if you take four balls they let you go to first for free. He played in Miami until he was signed as a free agent by the Red Sox before the 2006 season. Ironically enough this was shortly after they traded Renteria to Atlanta.
The Braves picked him up during a career year in an exchange for the "clubhouse cancer"Yunel Escobar and Jojo Reyes, included with Sea Bass were minor leaugers Tim Collins and 2012 possible starting shortstop Tyler Pastornicky. As we all know he played great defense didn't hit a lick and was loved by pitchers almost as much as he was hated by the fans watching his at bats.
He has now signed with the Brewers on a one year deal with a vesting option.
So the only question left is, when will the Braves get Hanley? Will it be in a trade in the next few years? Will it be as a free agent in the twilight of his career? Or will he be the first Marlin to break the cycle?
Perhaps just one more question to ask, if the Braves ever do get Ramirez, will they end up getting Reyes at some point as well?
Stats were provided by fangraphs.com and baseballreference.com.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Shortstop, a shortstop, my kingdom for a shortstop!
You could just about buy a reasonably sized kingdom for the cash you would expect to pay for the price of the top free agent shortstops this season, and in the opinion of many a feudal era castle might be a safer investment. With a castle all you have to worry about is the decay of ages, moat maintenance and the uprising of the peasants.
Sign Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins and you have to worry about them staying something close to healthy, along with the decay of ages and the uprising of the peasants(and bloggers) when they inevitably get injured.
One look at the free agents and the Braves monetary situation and it will leave you thinking, "there is no way that the Braves will have a shortstop in 2012". And it is true that the lack of great options up the middle has driven up prices so much that Jamey Carroll, a career utility man who will be 38 at the start of next season, to a two year deal worth at least 6.5 million dollars to be their everyday shortstop. It's a sellers market even if the product isn't fantastic. Heck even a 37 year old John McDonald, an all glove career backup with a career OPS of .601 got a two year/3 million deal.
So that begs the question, "Who will play shortstop for the Braves in 2012?"
Well, lets take a look at the options.
In house there is really only one guy, his name is Tyler Pastornicky and in all likelyhood he will be a starting middle infielder in the near future. He preformed very well between AA and AAA in 2011 and will only be 22 at the start of next season. His slash line in 2011 was .314/.359/.414 and stole 27 bases and played SS in a manner that most scouts have described as above average. So what's the problem you say? Frank Wren gave the impression in a recent interview that he didn't think he was ready to start the season as the Braves starting shortstop. Maybe in 2013 he will get a shot, because he's doing all he can to earn one.
So we move on to the free agents and lets face it's not pretty.
As I mentioned above Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins are the top of this class, but don't expect the Braves to make a play for either one. The massive amount of money and stupid long contracts these guys will get would drive them out of the Braves radar alone. Throw in the fact that you need a MASH unit to keep up with all of their injuries and you have two very talented guys that will likely never play in Atlanta.
So moving on, the next group is really about a tier or two below the aforementioned but they still have value. That class is headlined by Yuniesky Betancourt, Raphael Furcal, Clint Barmes, Alex Gonzalez and Ronnie Cedeno. Are you bored yet? You should be. The Braves will not even extend and offer to Betancourt if they have done their homework, and after the debacle with Furcal a few years back, coupled with the fact that he is reported to be asking for two years and 16 million you can forget about him too.
The other three guys, aren't atrocious options in a way, we know what were getting in Gonzalez a great glove and little else. However if he's willing to come back on a one year deal worth less than 4 million, it's easy to envision him manning short and hitting far too high in the batting order for the Braves for one more year. In a world where Jamey Carroll get's two years, there may be a team willing to give Sea Bass a two year deal, in which case you can kiss him good bye Braves fans. Barmes is a pretty good option with a glove comparable to Gonzalez. You get a bit more with the bat, but with the market being a bit high for middle infielders this year he may have priced himself out of Atlanta's range. That is to say they could pay him what he want's, but in the interest of sticking to their long term plan they probably wont. Cedeno is an interesting option, okay not interesting but not the worst either. He's a competent infielder at SS, 2B, and 3B and is basically an equal to Gonzalez with the bat with a better OBP but no power to speak of. The deal with Cedeno is, if you sign him to a two year deal for 3.5 million or less he can also be a decent backup at several positions if Pastornicky proves that he is ready at some point in the next two years. Are they good options, no, but they might be the best available.
The other guys; The best and brightest of the bottom of the barrel.
These guys are the left overs, the ones that shouldn't be everyday players for a team that hopes to content. Heck they may not even be bench worthy for some of the deeper teams in the league, but are they without worth? Not entirely. We'll start with Jerry Hariston Jr. he's not an everyday player at this stage of his career, but he can still get on base and play good enough defense at every position to provide a decent amount of value. Josh Wilson is another guy who can play everywhere without providing terrible embarrassment, but unlike Harriston he can't hit a lick. I would expect the Braves to bring back late season acquisition Jack Wilson if they decide to go the route for a good fielder who they don't need to hit, and the latter Wilson is a good enough fielder to even start for a bit if he has to.Edgar Renteria is also available, but he will probably cost more than the nominal value he can provide at this point in his career.
Thinking well outside the box.
Brandon Wood will be 27 at the start of next season, and the once promising prospect has fallen from grace heavily. In no way should he be considered a starting option, but his versatility(SS,3B, 1B) and career minor league OPS of .888 are enough to merit a minor league deal and a spring training invite.
*Note: Since this blog was originality posted he has signed with the Rockies on a minor league deal.*
Another interesting name is Bill Hall a once promising SS who hit 35 home runs as the shortstop for the 2006 Brewers before he was displaced in favor of J.J. Hardy, and gradually faded into obscurity. That is until 2010 when he has a resurgence with the Red Sox, where he put up a .247/.316/.456 line and played himself into a starting job with the Astros that he promptly lost...again. At this point he's not really a shortstop but he could be value off the bench on a minor league deal.
Last but not least, the trade candidates.
Frank Wren also stated in his recent interview that he expects to come up with a short term option via trade, and there are a few decent candidates out there. The Angels have two of them Eric Aybar and Macier Izturis Aybar is an above average fielder and his stolen bases give him the impression of being a much better player than Izturis. While Aybar is a bit better especially with the glove Izturis is enough of on base threat that he actually provides plenty of value and can play a very good 2B and 3B if another SS came along.
Another name that gets thrown around a lot is Stephen Drew, and honestly J.D. Drew has a better shot at playing in Atlanta in 2012. Drew is coming off a largely lost season and is getting paid far too much at 7.75 million in 2012 when no one is entirely sure how much he will be able to play. He's a good player but at the price he's getting paid , the injury risks, plus the high cost in players that Kevin Towers will want in return I can't see this move happening.
Robert Andino is a guy that is surfacing a lot on the blogs and message boards, and I think he could be had after the Orioles extended J.J. Hardy. He's got some speed and a bit of on base ability and can play a decent if uninspired shortstop. I think that a Jair Jurrjens for Andino and Xavier Avery would be a decent deal for the Bravos, but who knows if Frank Wren agrees. I have a feeling he may be aiming much higher.
The guy that I really like is Brendan Ryan of the Mariners, they probably aren't looking to move him as they don't have another internal option at short but he of the high socks is certainly a fit for the Braves. Okay, he's not much of a hitter, has no pop, and the only slightly redeeming part of his offensive game is that he can sort of run. Watch him on the field for a few innings though and you just might not care anymore he consistently ranks among the MLB leaders in UZR and fWAR. He is a true fielder in the Ozzie Smith tradition. This is the guy I want, but we probably can't get.
The other two guys that are a bit intriguing that are not starters are Jed Lowrie for the Red Sox and Eduardo Nunez of the Yankees. Lowrie is the super utility guy for the Sox and has a decent bat with a bit of pop. He's not a super rangy shortstop, but he is solid and can also play a competent 2B and 3B. Nunez is mainly the same story but has a bit more speed and less power.
So the hot stove is blazing and after writing this so is my keyboard, if you have a favorite for the shortstop spot please post it in the comments. I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions.
Sign Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins and you have to worry about them staying something close to healthy, along with the decay of ages and the uprising of the peasants(and bloggers) when they inevitably get injured.
One look at the free agents and the Braves monetary situation and it will leave you thinking, "there is no way that the Braves will have a shortstop in 2012". And it is true that the lack of great options up the middle has driven up prices so much that Jamey Carroll, a career utility man who will be 38 at the start of next season, to a two year deal worth at least 6.5 million dollars to be their everyday shortstop. It's a sellers market even if the product isn't fantastic. Heck even a 37 year old John McDonald, an all glove career backup with a career OPS of .601 got a two year/3 million deal.
So that begs the question, "Who will play shortstop for the Braves in 2012?"
Well, lets take a look at the options.
In house there is really only one guy, his name is Tyler Pastornicky and in all likelyhood he will be a starting middle infielder in the near future. He preformed very well between AA and AAA in 2011 and will only be 22 at the start of next season. His slash line in 2011 was .314/.359/.414 and stole 27 bases and played SS in a manner that most scouts have described as above average. So what's the problem you say? Frank Wren gave the impression in a recent interview that he didn't think he was ready to start the season as the Braves starting shortstop. Maybe in 2013 he will get a shot, because he's doing all he can to earn one.
So we move on to the free agents and lets face it's not pretty.
As I mentioned above Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins are the top of this class, but don't expect the Braves to make a play for either one. The massive amount of money and stupid long contracts these guys will get would drive them out of the Braves radar alone. Throw in the fact that you need a MASH unit to keep up with all of their injuries and you have two very talented guys that will likely never play in Atlanta.
So moving on, the next group is really about a tier or two below the aforementioned but they still have value. That class is headlined by Yuniesky Betancourt, Raphael Furcal, Clint Barmes, Alex Gonzalez and Ronnie Cedeno. Are you bored yet? You should be. The Braves will not even extend and offer to Betancourt if they have done their homework, and after the debacle with Furcal a few years back, coupled with the fact that he is reported to be asking for two years and 16 million you can forget about him too.
The other three guys, aren't atrocious options in a way, we know what were getting in Gonzalez a great glove and little else. However if he's willing to come back on a one year deal worth less than 4 million, it's easy to envision him manning short and hitting far too high in the batting order for the Braves for one more year. In a world where Jamey Carroll get's two years, there may be a team willing to give Sea Bass a two year deal, in which case you can kiss him good bye Braves fans. Barmes is a pretty good option with a glove comparable to Gonzalez. You get a bit more with the bat, but with the market being a bit high for middle infielders this year he may have priced himself out of Atlanta's range. That is to say they could pay him what he want's, but in the interest of sticking to their long term plan they probably wont. Cedeno is an interesting option, okay not interesting but not the worst either. He's a competent infielder at SS, 2B, and 3B and is basically an equal to Gonzalez with the bat with a better OBP but no power to speak of. The deal with Cedeno is, if you sign him to a two year deal for 3.5 million or less he can also be a decent backup at several positions if Pastornicky proves that he is ready at some point in the next two years. Are they good options, no, but they might be the best available.
The other guys; The best and brightest of the bottom of the barrel.
These guys are the left overs, the ones that shouldn't be everyday players for a team that hopes to content. Heck they may not even be bench worthy for some of the deeper teams in the league, but are they without worth? Not entirely. We'll start with Jerry Hariston Jr. he's not an everyday player at this stage of his career, but he can still get on base and play good enough defense at every position to provide a decent amount of value. Josh Wilson is another guy who can play everywhere without providing terrible embarrassment, but unlike Harriston he can't hit a lick. I would expect the Braves to bring back late season acquisition Jack Wilson if they decide to go the route for a good fielder who they don't need to hit, and the latter Wilson is a good enough fielder to even start for a bit if he has to.Edgar Renteria is also available, but he will probably cost more than the nominal value he can provide at this point in his career.
Thinking well outside the box.
Brandon Wood will be 27 at the start of next season, and the once promising prospect has fallen from grace heavily. In no way should he be considered a starting option, but his versatility(SS,3B, 1B) and career minor league OPS of .888 are enough to merit a minor league deal and a spring training invite.
*Note: Since this blog was originality posted he has signed with the Rockies on a minor league deal.*
Another interesting name is Bill Hall a once promising SS who hit 35 home runs as the shortstop for the 2006 Brewers before he was displaced in favor of J.J. Hardy, and gradually faded into obscurity. That is until 2010 when he has a resurgence with the Red Sox, where he put up a .247/.316/.456 line and played himself into a starting job with the Astros that he promptly lost...again. At this point he's not really a shortstop but he could be value off the bench on a minor league deal.
Last but not least, the trade candidates.
Frank Wren also stated in his recent interview that he expects to come up with a short term option via trade, and there are a few decent candidates out there. The Angels have two of them Eric Aybar and Macier Izturis Aybar is an above average fielder and his stolen bases give him the impression of being a much better player than Izturis. While Aybar is a bit better especially with the glove Izturis is enough of on base threat that he actually provides plenty of value and can play a very good 2B and 3B if another SS came along.
Another name that gets thrown around a lot is Stephen Drew, and honestly J.D. Drew has a better shot at playing in Atlanta in 2012. Drew is coming off a largely lost season and is getting paid far too much at 7.75 million in 2012 when no one is entirely sure how much he will be able to play. He's a good player but at the price he's getting paid , the injury risks, plus the high cost in players that Kevin Towers will want in return I can't see this move happening.
Robert Andino is a guy that is surfacing a lot on the blogs and message boards, and I think he could be had after the Orioles extended J.J. Hardy. He's got some speed and a bit of on base ability and can play a decent if uninspired shortstop. I think that a Jair Jurrjens for Andino and Xavier Avery would be a decent deal for the Bravos, but who knows if Frank Wren agrees. I have a feeling he may be aiming much higher.
The guy that I really like is Brendan Ryan of the Mariners, they probably aren't looking to move him as they don't have another internal option at short but he of the high socks is certainly a fit for the Braves. Okay, he's not much of a hitter, has no pop, and the only slightly redeeming part of his offensive game is that he can sort of run. Watch him on the field for a few innings though and you just might not care anymore he consistently ranks among the MLB leaders in UZR and fWAR. He is a true fielder in the Ozzie Smith tradition. This is the guy I want, but we probably can't get.
The other two guys that are a bit intriguing that are not starters are Jed Lowrie for the Red Sox and Eduardo Nunez of the Yankees. Lowrie is the super utility guy for the Sox and has a decent bat with a bit of pop. He's not a super rangy shortstop, but he is solid and can also play a competent 2B and 3B. Nunez is mainly the same story but has a bit more speed and less power.
So the hot stove is blazing and after writing this so is my keyboard, if you have a favorite for the shortstop spot please post it in the comments. I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Breaking down the Rome Braves Part 1
It's been an interesting season for the Rome Braves, tons of potential much of it unrealized. Some of the Braves top position player prospects played in Rome this season , and there were some great surprises among some of the non-prospects. Evan Gattis came out of nowhere to put up an incredible .986 OPS, and top prospect Edward Salcedo took and big steps forward in his second pro season raising his average to .248 with a .315 OBP. In this post were going to take a look at the infield/catchers on the 2011 R-Braves. To save confusion the players featured will have finished the year with Rome, and played at least 45 games for them.
Edward Salcedo- 3B/SS-R/R
Salcedo started the season as the shortstop for the Rome team, but was moved to third base after 19 games. It's not that he was terrible at short, but Matt Lipka has proven to be the more likely to stick there long term. He put up a .248/.315/.396 line with 12 home runs and 23 stolen bases. Salcedo has shown improving power and a decent eye at the plate, he needs to work on his pitch recognition but he just turned 20 late in the season so he has some time to work that out.
The bad news is his defense, he committed over 40 errors between short and third. After seeing him play it's easy to see why, though he has decent hands, reactions and a strong arm he appears to have some sort of mental block about throwing to first base. Probably three quarters of the errors he committed were on throws, he seems to think too hard and rush causing him to sail the ball often. This isn't an insolvable problem and many young players struggle with errors early, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him move to an outfield corner if it persists.
Projection: A starting third baseman or left fielder who hits around .275/.335/.415. His speed may begin to evaporate as he fills out but he should be able to continue to improve his power and eye.
Matt Lipka-SS R/R
The first pick of the Braves in the 2010 draft, the "Dirt Devil" has good hands and range a short, his arm is a little below average, but he makes up with it by getting in a good throwing position and a quick release. At the plate he has an improving eye and good bat control, but he makes a lot of weak contact. I give him a lot of credit from going to Rome his first full season out of high school, he will probably start to drive the ball more as he adjusts to the pro-game but will never be a power hitter. The best part of Lipka's game is his speed, he is quick and has speed to burn both in the field and on the bases.
Projection: A good fielding shortstop at the MLB level who could be an everyday player if he can get on base at a decent clip, and provide the speed to be a top of the order hitter. *
* after this post was written it was reported that Lipka is currently learning CF in the instructional league, so though he may be a good fielding SS we may not see him there often in the future.
* after this post was written it was reported that Lipka is currently learning CF in the instructional league, so though he may be a good fielding SS we may not see him there often in the future.
Matt Weaver-INF/OF-R/R
A very interesting guy, if only because of his extreme utility. Weaver has a good glove, and saw time at every position besides catcher and center field for the R-Braves this season, even pitching in one game. He has good reactions, especially in the infield, and an accurate arm. As an outfielder he gets good reads, but occasionally takes a bad route on balls hit hard. He is quick, but not a base stealer, and has a good contact swing that drives the ball where it is pitched. Has doubles power, but isn't a real home run threat.
Projection: Could be an MLB utility man because of his competence at nearly every position, with the potential to be more than that if he can hit enough.
Chris Garcia-1B-L/R
A semi-journeyman at 23 he was cut loose by the Angels after two lackluster season in rookie ball. He found his power stroke in the Independent American Association, and was signed by the Braves in the off season. Though he is a little old for low A ball a .305/.405/.511line is impressive for anyone. He has decent hands around the bag at first, but has very little range.
Projection: He's blocked by Freddie Freeman on the big club, and a few younger guys that project a little better in the Braves system. He has enough of a bat that someone may give him a shot, but it's hard to see him as more than an organizational guy, albeit a talented one.
Tommy LaStella-2B-L/R
One of the most impressive 2011 draftees, he has an easy swing from the left side that generates a good amount of power. He also possesses a pretty good eye at the plate that helped him put up an impressive .328/.401/.543 line in 63 games as the Rome second baseman. In the field he has decent hands a pretty good arm, but isn't the rangiest middle infielder.
Projection: His bat looks like it could play if he can stick in the infield. Could perhaps make a move to third at some point if he doesn't make it at second.
Jacob Dalfonso-1B-L/R
He's a big imposing presence at the plate, with good power but at this point that is about it. He seldom walks, and has yet to really find a position seeing time at all four corner positions. Not a terrible fielder at first, but not particularly rangy. Runs okay for a big guy, but that's not a key part of his game. Could be a 2012 breakout candidate if he can find a position and avoid the injury bug that kept him out for much of 2011.
Projection: Similar to Garcia, his bat has the potential to be valuable, but the glove may hold him back. If he can find a position and walk a little more he could get some attention. Probably not a prospect at this point, but is young enough to turn a corner.
Evan Gattis-C/1B-R/R
You can't mention the 2011 Rome Braves without Gattis, after splitting time with Christian Bethancourt at the start of the year, he started playing every day behind the plate after Bethancourt's promotion to Lynchburg. A .986 OPS is the stat that keeps jumping off the page on his line, and his approach supports that number pretty well. He has a short quick stroke that leads to a lot of line drives and very little weak contact. He doesn't walk a ton, but doesn't strike out much either; may walk more when he faces for difficult pitching but for most of 2011 low A.
Projection: At 23 he was old for low A but he's got a good bat. If he can improve his reactions behind the plate, could end up being a good hitting backup catcher. May move to first or even left at an attempt to advance his bat, as it is much more advanced than his glove.
Projection: At 23 he was old for low A but he's got a good bat. If he can improve his reactions behind the plate, could end up being a good hitting backup catcher. May move to first or even left at an attempt to advance his bat, as it is much more advanced than his glove.
Elmer Reyes-2B/SS-R/R
Reyes came into 2011 looking like one of the Braves top middle infield prospects after a very solid 2010 as a member of two rookie teams putting up a .301/.362/.472 line in his first full season. His 2011 was disappointing, after he faltered out of the gate in Rome and was demoted to Danville. He recovered in rookie ball but still struggled mightily enough to cast some doubt on whether or not he is a legitimate infield prospect. He is a slick fielder with quick hands and a decent arm. Has shown some on base ability and can occasionally can surprise with some pop. He runs well, but isn't much of a stolen base threat at this point. At 20 years old he has some time to make adjustments.
Projection: Probably a reserve infielder unless he can really develop at the plate, but there are times when he swings well enough to make you wonder if a breakout is imminent.
In the next post we will review the Rome outfield. Keep in mind I am not a scout, so don't take the summaries here as gospel it's just my observations. If you have an opinion on any players mentioned please post them in the comments.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Acquiring Dan Uggla..
When you think of Dan Uggla right now, your mind probably flashes to the Braves second baseman popping up a ball to the right side of the infield and half a season of frustration.
Maybe you think ," Oh damn, we have five more seasons of this?"
But I'm not here to bash Uggla, I think he will come around and will probably end up helping this team. Particularly when he relocates to left field following the 2012 season. More than likely anyway. The question is, how did he come to be on the 2011 Braves roster?
To answer that question you have to start with an unheralded 29th round draft pick named Adam LaRoche. You may remember LaRoche, he was the Braves starting first baseman from 2004-2006 and again in the second half of 2009.
LaRoche along with career minor league pitcher Jaime Romak were traded to the Pirates for the man who would be closer Mike Gonzalez and Brent Lillibridge. The trade was sort of a wash for the Bravos as the got sporadic excellence out of Gonzalez and very little out of Lillibridge before he was traded to the White Sox. "The Cobra" left Atlanta after the 2009 season as a free agent but he did net the Bravos a compensation pick in Todd Cunningham, who projects to be a solid fourth outfielder type.
Lillibridge along with blocked catching prospect Tyler Flowers netted the Braves their former nemesis Javier Vasquez and lefty Boone Logan. Vasquez was heroic in Atlanta and helped the fans forget about a rotation that often featured Jo-Jo Reyes, Jorge Campillo and Charlie Morton. Logan was decent in his lone season at the Ted but control problems limited his usage.
The pair were packaged to New York after the 2009 season after a rotation surplus forced the Braves to shed a starter, and the attached payroll. In return they received Melky Cabrerra ,who still gives Braves fans nightmares. A 19 year old fireballer named Arodys Vizcaino who gives them hope, and Mike Dunn who with the help of Omar Infante gave us Dan Uggla.
Infante was one of the oddest trades that actually worked pretty well for Braves, he was acquired from the Cubs with Will Ohman for a promising youngster named Jose Ascanio. Ohman was a very good lefty setup man for a season, and Omar became an All-Star while backing up everyone and fighting for a batting title.
So there you have it, I guess what it really boils down to folks is would you trade Adam LaRoche, Jose Ascanio, and Jaime Rumak for Dan Uggla, Arodys Vizcaino, and Todd Cunninham?
Okay it's not nearly that simple, but maybe if a butterfly flaps its wings in Japan, it will cause Dan Uggla to get hot in the second half.
Maybe you think ," Oh damn, we have five more seasons of this?"
But I'm not here to bash Uggla, I think he will come around and will probably end up helping this team. Particularly when he relocates to left field following the 2012 season. More than likely anyway. The question is, how did he come to be on the 2011 Braves roster?
To answer that question you have to start with an unheralded 29th round draft pick named Adam LaRoche. You may remember LaRoche, he was the Braves starting first baseman from 2004-2006 and again in the second half of 2009.
LaRoche along with career minor league pitcher Jaime Romak were traded to the Pirates for the man who would be closer Mike Gonzalez and Brent Lillibridge. The trade was sort of a wash for the Bravos as the got sporadic excellence out of Gonzalez and very little out of Lillibridge before he was traded to the White Sox. "The Cobra" left Atlanta after the 2009 season as a free agent but he did net the Bravos a compensation pick in Todd Cunningham, who projects to be a solid fourth outfielder type.
Lillibridge along with blocked catching prospect Tyler Flowers netted the Braves their former nemesis Javier Vasquez and lefty Boone Logan. Vasquez was heroic in Atlanta and helped the fans forget about a rotation that often featured Jo-Jo Reyes, Jorge Campillo and Charlie Morton. Logan was decent in his lone season at the Ted but control problems limited his usage.
The pair were packaged to New York after the 2009 season after a rotation surplus forced the Braves to shed a starter, and the attached payroll. In return they received Melky Cabrerra ,who still gives Braves fans nightmares. A 19 year old fireballer named Arodys Vizcaino who gives them hope, and Mike Dunn who with the help of Omar Infante gave us Dan Uggla.
Infante was one of the oddest trades that actually worked pretty well for Braves, he was acquired from the Cubs with Will Ohman for a promising youngster named Jose Ascanio. Ohman was a very good lefty setup man for a season, and Omar became an All-Star while backing up everyone and fighting for a batting title.
So there you have it, I guess what it really boils down to folks is would you trade Adam LaRoche, Jose Ascanio, and Jaime Rumak for Dan Uggla, Arodys Vizcaino, and Todd Cunninham?
Okay it's not nearly that simple, but maybe if a butterfly flaps its wings in Japan, it will cause Dan Uggla to get hot in the second half.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Who Are These People?
It's not even Christmas and already the Braves have nearly filled their roster for the 2011 season. It's not going to make for a lot of suspense trying to figure out who will fill the backup center field or shortstop spots, and no one is on the edge of their seat trying to figure out who the final bullpen spot will go to. One thing that you may be thinking about looking at the Braves current 40 man roster is, who are these guys?
So to clear the clouds away for you Braves fans that don't spend all of your time on Fangraphs or Baseball Reference here is a breakdown of the Braves off season acquisitions thus far.
Dan Uggla 2B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-5'11 Weight- 207
Born 3/11/1980
The Braves acquired the slugging second baseman in a trade with the Marlins for Omar Infante and Mike Dunn. He is a human powder keg who hits for more power than any right handed hitter the Braves have has since Andruw Jones. As a second baseman he forced All-Star Martin Prado to left field, or third base if Chipper Jones isn't healthy. He's not quite the fielder that Martin is at second, but has improved some in recent years, he's not so bad at any one thing but is just below average in all defensive categories though not as embarrassing as many would have you believe. He'll probably hit fourth or fifth for the Braves this season and is the picture of hard work and durability.
Scott Linebrink RP
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'3 Weight-220
Born-8/4/1976
A veteran of ten big league seasons, the Braves brought in the veteran setup man in exchange for minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield and got more than half of his salary paid for by the White Sox. He will likely fill the setup role vacated by Takashi Saito and will help mentor the young bullpen corps. He's not going to dazzle you but typically gets the job done, with his graying goatee and bowlers physique some fans may mistake him for former closer Bob Wickman. He's been a durable if uninspiring player for a long time who has had a great deal of success in the NL.
George Sherrill RP
Hits-Left
Throws-Left
Hight-5'11 Weight-237
Born-4/19/1977
Sherrill is a former closer, albeit for the Orioles who will be serving primarily as a left handed specialist for the Braves. He has had a lot of success in the past with that role, and the hardships he endured last season were a result of him being overexposed to right handed hitters. Look for him to rebound in 2011 and also keep a look out for fans making fun of his facial hair and flat brimmed cap.
Joe Mather OF/1B/3B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'4 Weight-215
Born-7/23/1982
Mather will try to fill the spot vacated by Matt Diaz in the Braves outfield and off the bench. Mather has a ton of power and is a competent outfielder at the corners and at first base. He has also seen time at third base and in center field in the Cardinals organization. He is a candidate to be a late blooming power threat in the mold of Carlos Quentin or Nelson Cruz, but probably will be more like a Matt Diaz with more power and a little less dominance against left handed pitchers. He may see some time in left and right spelling Martin Prado and Jason Heyward and perhaps even in center if he proves rangy enough.
That wraps it up for the big league acquisitions so far, if you want more info about the minor league free agents singed this off season left me know and I'll dedicate a post to them.
Please join me in wishing all the nubies good luck in Braves Country, and have a good week everyone.
So to clear the clouds away for you Braves fans that don't spend all of your time on Fangraphs or Baseball Reference here is a breakdown of the Braves off season acquisitions thus far.
Dan Uggla 2B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-5'11 Weight- 207
Born 3/11/1980
The Braves acquired the slugging second baseman in a trade with the Marlins for Omar Infante and Mike Dunn. He is a human powder keg who hits for more power than any right handed hitter the Braves have has since Andruw Jones. As a second baseman he forced All-Star Martin Prado to left field, or third base if Chipper Jones isn't healthy. He's not quite the fielder that Martin is at second, but has improved some in recent years, he's not so bad at any one thing but is just below average in all defensive categories though not as embarrassing as many would have you believe. He'll probably hit fourth or fifth for the Braves this season and is the picture of hard work and durability.
Scott Linebrink RP
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'3 Weight-220
Born-8/4/1976
A veteran of ten big league seasons, the Braves brought in the veteran setup man in exchange for minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield and got more than half of his salary paid for by the White Sox. He will likely fill the setup role vacated by Takashi Saito and will help mentor the young bullpen corps. He's not going to dazzle you but typically gets the job done, with his graying goatee and bowlers physique some fans may mistake him for former closer Bob Wickman. He's been a durable if uninspiring player for a long time who has had a great deal of success in the NL.
George Sherrill RP
Hits-Left
Throws-Left
Hight-5'11 Weight-237
Born-4/19/1977
Sherrill is a former closer, albeit for the Orioles who will be serving primarily as a left handed specialist for the Braves. He has had a lot of success in the past with that role, and the hardships he endured last season were a result of him being overexposed to right handed hitters. Look for him to rebound in 2011 and also keep a look out for fans making fun of his facial hair and flat brimmed cap.
Joe Mather OF/1B/3B
Hits-Right
Throws-Right
Hight-6'4 Weight-215
Born-7/23/1982
Mather will try to fill the spot vacated by Matt Diaz in the Braves outfield and off the bench. Mather has a ton of power and is a competent outfielder at the corners and at first base. He has also seen time at third base and in center field in the Cardinals organization. He is a candidate to be a late blooming power threat in the mold of Carlos Quentin or Nelson Cruz, but probably will be more like a Matt Diaz with more power and a little less dominance against left handed pitchers. He may see some time in left and right spelling Martin Prado and Jason Heyward and perhaps even in center if he proves rangy enough.
That wraps it up for the big league acquisitions so far, if you want more info about the minor league free agents singed this off season left me know and I'll dedicate a post to them.
Please join me in wishing all the nubies good luck in Braves Country, and have a good week everyone.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Prospect Profile, a Conversation with L.V. Ware...
Recently I was fortunate enough to talk to L.V. Ware, Braves center field prospect, Atlanta native, and member of the Twitter.com all-star team. I guarantee he's one of the most interesting people not in a Dos Equis commercial.
Matt White: First off thanks for agreeing to being interviewed
LV Ware: Its not a problem at all man, thanks for the invite
Matt White: It's a privalidge, you've been playing pro ball for three seasons now across several teams in the Braves system, whitch stop has been your favorite so far?
LV Ware: Its definitely a tough pick after playing in Myrtle Beach and being close to home playing in Rome, but I would have to say Danville in 2009. The town was little ,but yet so open to the players. We had a great coaching staff and great players. To go 47-21 was crazy, and then to walk away with the Appalachian League championship man it that much more special
Matt White: That sounds like a great experiance, has getting a taste of a league championship so early in your career motivated you even more?
LV Ware: Honestly it has, by being in Danville in 08 & being close to making the playoffs. Then next year starting in Rome and being sent back to danville was kind of hard, but it definitely was a learning process. Sometimes you have to take two steps backwards to take one step forward and thats what I did. Won a league championship, improved my numbers by alot and its helped me focus on the little things that we tend to get away from as players
Matt White: thebaseballcube.com has you ranked among the fastest players in the Braves organization, have you played with anyone you think is any quicker?
LV Ware: Far as quicker i think Jordan Schafer is def quicker than me, but not fast...we both get greats jumps but hes def a little quicker than me....Kyle Rose would defiantly have to be the fastest person ive ever played with, but his jumps arent as good as Shafer and myself, but we stay working with him on that
Matt White: Most Braves websites that cover prospects have you starting the year at AA Mississippi next season, is that what you expect also?
LV Ware: Honestly as a player you never know what to expect, cause anything can change in the game. I was grateful enough to finish the year there this year. So I just want to build off of that. I would love to start there next year, and continue to work my way up the ladder to Atlanta.
Matt White: Do you have any specific goals for the 2011 season that you don't mind sharing?
LV Ware: One goal I've always set in my mind is trying to get 50 bags in a season, and I've got to 30 but thats not good enough for me. But my main goal for next year is to cut back on the strikeouts a lot and increase the walks. I've been working on being patient at the plate and hitting coach Garey Ingram has been talking to me about what my approach should be because im a top of the order hitter seeing that i ve have speed.
Matt White: What do you think are fans most common misconceptions of minor league baseball?
LV Ware: Thats a tough one...a lot of die-hard fans know alot about the minors cause they are devoted to their teams and they get to know the game pretty good. I know I get alot of questions about the housing situation, a lot of fans think ours organizations pay for everything, but little do they know we have to support ourselves with our paychecks.
Matt White: You interact a lot with fans through twitter.com and your blog lvware.blogspot.com what inspired you to get so involved in social media?
LV Ware: I'm a goofy, silly person, and I just like to have fun. The fans want to get to know players and just have conversations and thats not a problem at all. It's all respect, they go out their ways to see us and follow us, least I can do is interact with everyone. Plus alot of people are comedians so they have me laughing 24/7 on twitter. The blog is my place of peace, when I need to just get away. Its where I go to write and release some thoughts and tension.
Matt White: I know the fans appriciate it, and as a twitter follower I have to agree those people have got some jokes.
LV Ware: Haha man its amazing to be apart of it, it definitely keeps me entertained all day. So im thankful for social networks and don't take them too serious, we all want to have fun.
Matt White: What person, or people in your life has had the most impact on you, both as a person and a player?
LV Ware: As far as playing growing up it was my father, he used to take flour and make a baseball field in my backyard and my mom used to kill him haha. As i got older it was my high school coach. He was a pitcher at Southern University and his father was in the negro leagues so he knew what it took, he pushed me harder and harder and it has definitely paid off for me.
Matt White: In the minor leagues you have to endure a lot of long bus rides, how you pass the time?
LV Ware: You have no idea man, we watch movies, play cards, psp, word with friends. But my favorite would have to be sleeping. I have to catch up on that rest cause once your off the bus in the A.M. its time to wake up just like that and its practice time, so I take advantage of catching rest cause its definitely needed.
Matt White: Ever get pranked during naps?
LV Ware: I've never been pranked but I've definitely pulled off some pranks myself lol, I tend to be a prankster all the time and especially in the clubhouse.
Matt White: Whats the best one you've pulled?
LV Ware: Haha I pulled a prank on Geraldo Rodriquez few years back where I was cutting his hair and I left the back of his head with hair and cut the rest off, then put icey hot in the top of his hat. When he put it on to go outside and play it was a sight to see once he started sweating.
Matt White: That sounds hillarious, whats the most embarrasing thing to happen to you on a baseball field?
LV Ware: I dont think I've ever had anything embarrasing happen to me while playing but when I was in Greensboro playing against the Grasshoppers this year they posed my real name on the jumbo tron and man was that a sight to see. Instead of my picture and LV Ware the put up a picture of the Mona Lisa and wrote Leonardo DaVinci Ware. It really threw the at bat off cause the crowd laughed and I seen it and couldn't stop laughing while I was in the box
Matt White: You've gotten to play with most for the Braves top prospects in your career, who has impressed you the most so far?
LV Ware: I have two Julio Tehran and Cory Harrilchak, Tehran is just so above the competition its unreal. Definitely a diamond in the rough, and Harrilchak is as professional as they come...the man plays the game correct and has a bright future ahead of him.
Matt White: If you wern't a baseball player what would do?
LV Ware: I think I would want to become a teacher and teach math, I went to college to study accounting and I love numbers.
Matt White: Thats pretty impressive, do you think you would like to coach also?
LV Ware: I definitely would love to coach, not only baseball. I would want to get my hands in on football as well. It was my second love growing up and in high school.
Matt White: Did you ever think about pursuing football instead of baseball?
LV Ware: As I got older I wish I would have stuck with it, I never went back after my sophmore year of high school because I wanted to just focus on baseball. I think I could have been a good corner or safety. I played quarterback and free safety in high school.
Matt White: Other than a love for math is there anything else about you that fans would be surprised to find out?
LV Ware: Honestly not at all.
Matt White: Okay, random pop culture question, if your stuck on a desert island and for some reason you have a solar powered DVD/CD player what 5 discs would you want to have with you?
LV Ware: Law Abiding Citizen, Jay-Z Blueprint, Martin (the tv show), Little Qayne The Carter, The Hangover.
Matt White: Thanks again for letting me pick your brain, I hope you have a fantastic season. I'm sure all our readers will be twitter followers by morning.
Matt White: First off thanks for agreeing to being interviewed
LV Ware: Its not a problem at all man, thanks for the invite
Matt White: It's a privalidge, you've been playing pro ball for three seasons now across several teams in the Braves system, whitch stop has been your favorite so far?
LV Ware: Its definitely a tough pick after playing in Myrtle Beach and being close to home playing in Rome, but I would have to say Danville in 2009. The town was little ,but yet so open to the players. We had a great coaching staff and great players. To go 47-21 was crazy, and then to walk away with the Appalachian League championship man it that much more special
Matt White: That sounds like a great experiance, has getting a taste of a league championship so early in your career motivated you even more?
LV Ware: Honestly it has, by being in Danville in 08 & being close to making the playoffs. Then next year starting in Rome and being sent back to danville was kind of hard, but it definitely was a learning process. Sometimes you have to take two steps backwards to take one step forward and thats what I did. Won a league championship, improved my numbers by alot and its helped me focus on the little things that we tend to get away from as players
Matt White: thebaseballcube.com has you ranked among the fastest players in the Braves organization, have you played with anyone you think is any quicker?
LV Ware: Far as quicker i think Jordan Schafer is def quicker than me, but not fast...we both get greats jumps but hes def a little quicker than me....Kyle Rose would defiantly have to be the fastest person ive ever played with, but his jumps arent as good as Shafer and myself, but we stay working with him on that
Matt White: Most Braves websites that cover prospects have you starting the year at AA Mississippi next season, is that what you expect also?
LV Ware: Honestly as a player you never know what to expect, cause anything can change in the game. I was grateful enough to finish the year there this year. So I just want to build off of that. I would love to start there next year, and continue to work my way up the ladder to Atlanta.
Matt White: Do you have any specific goals for the 2011 season that you don't mind sharing?
LV Ware: One goal I've always set in my mind is trying to get 50 bags in a season, and I've got to 30 but thats not good enough for me. But my main goal for next year is to cut back on the strikeouts a lot and increase the walks. I've been working on being patient at the plate and hitting coach Garey Ingram has been talking to me about what my approach should be because im a top of the order hitter seeing that i ve have speed.
Matt White: What do you think are fans most common misconceptions of minor league baseball?
LV Ware: Thats a tough one...a lot of die-hard fans know alot about the minors cause they are devoted to their teams and they get to know the game pretty good. I know I get alot of questions about the housing situation, a lot of fans think ours organizations pay for everything, but little do they know we have to support ourselves with our paychecks.
Matt White: You interact a lot with fans through twitter.com and your blog lvware.blogspot.com what inspired you to get so involved in social media?
LV Ware: I'm a goofy, silly person, and I just like to have fun. The fans want to get to know players and just have conversations and thats not a problem at all. It's all respect, they go out their ways to see us and follow us, least I can do is interact with everyone. Plus alot of people are comedians so they have me laughing 24/7 on twitter. The blog is my place of peace, when I need to just get away. Its where I go to write and release some thoughts and tension.
Matt White: I know the fans appriciate it, and as a twitter follower I have to agree those people have got some jokes.
LV Ware: Haha man its amazing to be apart of it, it definitely keeps me entertained all day. So im thankful for social networks and don't take them too serious, we all want to have fun.
Matt White: What person, or people in your life has had the most impact on you, both as a person and a player?
LV Ware: As far as playing growing up it was my father, he used to take flour and make a baseball field in my backyard and my mom used to kill him haha. As i got older it was my high school coach. He was a pitcher at Southern University and his father was in the negro leagues so he knew what it took, he pushed me harder and harder and it has definitely paid off for me.
Matt White: In the minor leagues you have to endure a lot of long bus rides, how you pass the time?
LV Ware: You have no idea man, we watch movies, play cards, psp, word with friends. But my favorite would have to be sleeping. I have to catch up on that rest cause once your off the bus in the A.M. its time to wake up just like that and its practice time, so I take advantage of catching rest cause its definitely needed.
Matt White: Ever get pranked during naps?
LV Ware: I've never been pranked but I've definitely pulled off some pranks myself lol, I tend to be a prankster all the time and especially in the clubhouse.
Matt White: Whats the best one you've pulled?
LV Ware: Haha I pulled a prank on Geraldo Rodriquez few years back where I was cutting his hair and I left the back of his head with hair and cut the rest off, then put icey hot in the top of his hat. When he put it on to go outside and play it was a sight to see once he started sweating.
Matt White: That sounds hillarious, whats the most embarrasing thing to happen to you on a baseball field?
LV Ware: I dont think I've ever had anything embarrasing happen to me while playing but when I was in Greensboro playing against the Grasshoppers this year they posed my real name on the jumbo tron and man was that a sight to see. Instead of my picture and LV Ware the put up a picture of the Mona Lisa and wrote Leonardo DaVinci Ware. It really threw the at bat off cause the crowd laughed and I seen it and couldn't stop laughing while I was in the box
Matt White: You've gotten to play with most for the Braves top prospects in your career, who has impressed you the most so far?
LV Ware: I have two Julio Tehran and Cory Harrilchak, Tehran is just so above the competition its unreal. Definitely a diamond in the rough, and Harrilchak is as professional as they come...the man plays the game correct and has a bright future ahead of him.
Matt White: If you wern't a baseball player what would do?
LV Ware: I think I would want to become a teacher and teach math, I went to college to study accounting and I love numbers.
Matt White: Thats pretty impressive, do you think you would like to coach also?
LV Ware: I definitely would love to coach, not only baseball. I would want to get my hands in on football as well. It was my second love growing up and in high school.
Matt White: Did you ever think about pursuing football instead of baseball?
LV Ware: As I got older I wish I would have stuck with it, I never went back after my sophmore year of high school because I wanted to just focus on baseball. I think I could have been a good corner or safety. I played quarterback and free safety in high school.
Matt White: Other than a love for math is there anything else about you that fans would be surprised to find out?
LV Ware: Honestly not at all.
Matt White: Okay, random pop culture question, if your stuck on a desert island and for some reason you have a solar powered DVD/CD player what 5 discs would you want to have with you?
LV Ware: Law Abiding Citizen, Jay-Z Blueprint, Martin (the tv show), Little Qayne The Carter, The Hangover.
Matt White: Thanks again for letting me pick your brain, I hope you have a fantastic season. I'm sure all our readers will be twitter followers by morning.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Building the Bullpen...
This week Frank Wren and Kenny Williams got together on another trade this past week, the Braves sending minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield to the White Sox for veteran set-up man Scott Linebrink and 3.5 Million dollars. Both GMs seem to like to move quickly and have been known to do the unexpected, the move should help the middle part of the Braves bullpen and will give a veteran presence in an otherwise young pen. Linebrink is one on the books for one year at around 2 million dollars after the White Sox kicked in 3.5 million of the 5.5mm he is owed.
Next the Braves signed free agent George Sherrill to a one year deal at 1.2 million which could end up being a real steal if the former closer preforms like his pre-2010 self. Sherrill struggled through a rough season with the Dodgers after being very effective as the Orioles closer in 2008 and before he was traded to LA in 2009. Will have the ideal environment to regain his form being the number three lefty in the Braves bullpen behind possible closer Jonny Venters and the steady Eric O'Flaherty both in tow.
As of right now the bullpen looks something like this:
Craig Kimbrell- fire balling right hander will compete for closer role.
Jonny Venters- and his nasty slider will be Kimbrell's main competition to close and should be top flight set-up man.
Peter Moylan- Side armer will likely be the main right handed set up man, primarily pitching against right handed hitters.
Eric O'Flaherty- Left specialist will be a key cog again in a division that includes the lefty-heavy Phillies and increasingly left handed Marlins.
Scott Linebrink-Could also fill righty set up role or that of a right handed specialist. If he responds well to the NL as he has in the past could be in a little more high leverage role.
George Sherrill-Lefty will see a lot of time as a situational pitcher similar to O'Flaherty, could work into a higher leverage role if he regains 2009 form.
All the players listed above are almost certain to open the season in the Bullpen, the guys who follow are on the cusp or could see some time in the event of an injury.
Scott Proctor-Worked mainly out of AAA for the Braves last season in his first year off "Tommy John" surgery with disappointing results. Was given a major league guaranteed contract so the brass must have faith that he will return to form.
Christian Martinez- Was reasonably effective as a long man for the Braves last season after being claimed off waivers. Could serve a similar role in 2011.
Stephen Marek- Had an extremely effective year at AAA. Righty could be among first to get the call in the even of an injury.
Brandon Beachy- Will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with lefty Mike Minor, though because of the all right handed Braves rotation Minor is thought to have the edge. Beachy could be an excellent long man or injury replacement in the rotation.
Corey Gearrin-Side armer could see time if the situation arises, fairly effective in the Arizona Fall League.
Conundrum:
Billy Wagner is still on the Braves 40-man roster. Speculation indicates that this is just a precaution, as he has yet to file retirement paperwork and his vesting option did in fact vest this past season. So should he have a change of heart the Braves would be able to attempt to keep him instead of allowing him to sign anywhere.
Next the Braves signed free agent George Sherrill to a one year deal at 1.2 million which could end up being a real steal if the former closer preforms like his pre-2010 self. Sherrill struggled through a rough season with the Dodgers after being very effective as the Orioles closer in 2008 and before he was traded to LA in 2009. Will have the ideal environment to regain his form being the number three lefty in the Braves bullpen behind possible closer Jonny Venters and the steady Eric O'Flaherty both in tow.
As of right now the bullpen looks something like this:
Craig Kimbrell- fire balling right hander will compete for closer role.
Jonny Venters- and his nasty slider will be Kimbrell's main competition to close and should be top flight set-up man.
Peter Moylan- Side armer will likely be the main right handed set up man, primarily pitching against right handed hitters.
Eric O'Flaherty- Left specialist will be a key cog again in a division that includes the lefty-heavy Phillies and increasingly left handed Marlins.
Scott Linebrink-Could also fill righty set up role or that of a right handed specialist. If he responds well to the NL as he has in the past could be in a little more high leverage role.
George Sherrill-Lefty will see a lot of time as a situational pitcher similar to O'Flaherty, could work into a higher leverage role if he regains 2009 form.
All the players listed above are almost certain to open the season in the Bullpen, the guys who follow are on the cusp or could see some time in the event of an injury.
Scott Proctor-Worked mainly out of AAA for the Braves last season in his first year off "Tommy John" surgery with disappointing results. Was given a major league guaranteed contract so the brass must have faith that he will return to form.
Christian Martinez- Was reasonably effective as a long man for the Braves last season after being claimed off waivers. Could serve a similar role in 2011.
Stephen Marek- Had an extremely effective year at AAA. Righty could be among first to get the call in the even of an injury.
Brandon Beachy- Will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with lefty Mike Minor, though because of the all right handed Braves rotation Minor is thought to have the edge. Beachy could be an excellent long man or injury replacement in the rotation.
Corey Gearrin-Side armer could see time if the situation arises, fairly effective in the Arizona Fall League.
Conundrum:
Billy Wagner is still on the Braves 40-man roster. Speculation indicates that this is just a precaution, as he has yet to file retirement paperwork and his vesting option did in fact vest this past season. So should he have a change of heart the Braves would be able to attempt to keep him instead of allowing him to sign anywhere.
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